Monday, May 10, 2010

The only glitch is that my followers (you!) haven't followed me over, so if you'd like to continue reading my latest posts, you'll have to re-add me. I'd love it if you did so. I don't want to lose you!

And if you'd help me spread the word about my move, I'd really appreciate it!

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Hey guys! My bookshelf is in major need of being cleared out, so here's a list of books I have to trade. I have a wishlist on amazon, it's not complete though, so if you see something you want feel free to simply email me with a list of what you have. My email is: melanie@melaniesmusings.net

Hardcovers:Dedication by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola KrausImpossible by Nancy WerlinThe Tear Collector by Patrich JonesTwenty Boy Summer by Sarah OcklerFallen by Lauren KateToday I Will by Eileen and Jerry SpinelliAnticancer by David Servan-SchreiberRole of a Lifetime by James BrownDays of Little Texas by R.A. NelsonDog Spelled Backwards by Mordecai SiegalJessica's Guide to Dating on The Dark Side by Beth FantaskeyNanny Returns by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola KrausAna's Story by Jenna BushThe Host by Stephenie MeyerThe Pathway by Laurel Mellin

ARCs:Tales of the Madman Underground by John BarnesMr. Darcy Broke My Heart by Beth PattilloBeautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Paperbacks:Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy by Sharon LathanLoving Mr. Darcy by Sharon LathanThe Confessions of Fitzwilliam Darcy by Mary StreetEdmund Bertram's Diary by Amanda GrangeMr. Darcy Takes A Wife by Linda BerdollPride and Prejudice by Jane AustenKeeping In Line by Courtney BrandtDear John by Nicholas SparksBorder Crossing by Jessica Lee AndersonStart Here by Alex and Brett HarrisWretched (this is my sorry) by Katherine MarpleThe Gand Hotel by Mary DavisSweet Violet by Catherine PalmerHear No Evil by Matthew Paul TurnerWild Heather by Catherine PalmerFighting For Tony by Mary CallahanShopaholic & Baby by Sophie KinsellaBeneath A Southern Sky by Deborah RaneyHome Another Way by Christa ParrishIsolation by Travis ThrasherScribbler of Dreams by Mary E. PearsonThe Gathering Dawn by Sally Laity and Dianna CrawfordGirl In The Mirror by Denise CrittendonMe & Mr. Darcy by Alexandra PotterPost Grad by Emily CasselMr. Darcy Broke My Heart by Beth PattilloThe Fields of Glory by Gilbert MorrisA Season of Eden by J.M. Warwick

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

The earth has been invaded by a species that take over the minds of their human hosts while leaving their bodies intact, and most of humanity has succumbed. But Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, knew about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the too vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind. Melanie fills Wanderer's thoughts with visions of the man Melanie loves--Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body's desires, Wanderer yearns for a man she's never met. As outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off to search for the man they both love.

There's something about Stephenie Meyer's writing that makes her books incredibly hard to put down. The world she's built is this novel is fascinating, and I'd walk away from the book only to find myself walking back a few minutes later for "just another chapter." Yeah, right. I finished this book within a couple days.

Wanderer's thoughts on the human race were probably more accurate than I'd like to admit, and I really enjoyed reading them.

My favorite aspect of The Host was the romance. It was confusing and wonderful. Mostly confusing. For those of you who have read the book, who's your favorite, Ian or Jared? Ian for me, I think.

I would have loved to have a map of the cave in the book, but I was able to make due without one.

The ending of this book wasn't the best, in my opinion. Although I liked the way it ended, the last couple pages just didn't sit right. I've heard rumors of a sequel, and if so, that would make the ending make more sense.

As someone who hasn't read much science fiction, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed The Host. It kept me entertained and was well worth the time spent.

Monday, May 3, 2010

Lani and Erin are complete opposites, yet they're also best friends. Lately, Lani hasn't been hanging out with the same group so much, and she feels as if they're sort growing apart. Little does she know when Erin starts to date Jason that something will happen that could tear them apart forever.

As someone who's been brought up to think that horoscopes, tarot cards, and palm readings are nothing but bunches of hog wash, it was really interesting to read about Lani's exploits in that area. After all, who's to say it's completely impossible?

Lani's voice is an accurate portrayal of many teen girls I know, and the dialogue in this book is something I can imagine actually taking place. She even has an irritating way of saying "like" too much. That's a habit I'm trying to break myself of right now!

I didn't really like Erin that much. She's very melodramatic and sometimes just plain mean. Jason was nice enough, although I wasn't completely smitten with him. Sometimes I felt he was a bit cowardly about some things. I think I would have liked him a bit more if he'd been a little braver. Conner was the boy that I ended up really liking. He was sweet and funny and did whatever he could to help Lani. Blake, Lani's friend who's gay, has a lot of strength. I would love to have a friend like him.

In the end, this book addresses the issue of just how far loyalty should go between friends. Do you keep the boy and lose the friend, or lose the boy and hope you keep the friend? Or maybe just do what you can then leave it up to fate.

Saturday, May 1, 2010

I've always liked the Blogoversary buttons, but a few days ago I looked at it and realized it had malfunctioned. I'm not sure what happened, but I know thiss blog's anniversary is today, not a few months from now, so the friendly widget had to go bye-bye.

Alas, lamenting the loss of the widget is not the purpose of this post!

365 days ago, I started this blog. And I'm still here! Thanks to everyone who's stopped by, and here's to another successful and, most importantly, fun year.